Elvis Festival Celebrates Icon's 90th Birthday

The Parkes Elvis Festival in New South Wales celebrated its biggest day with thousands of attendees participating in a lively parade honoring Elvis Presley, who would have turned 90 on January 8. The festival, which has been running for over three decades, significantly boosts the local economy, attracting around 20,000 visitors and contributing more than $11 million annually. Meanwhile, Giles Moriarty, a devoted Elvis super fan from Cambridgeshire, reflected on his lifelong admiration for the King of Rock 'n' Roll, recalling how he became hooked on Elvis's music after discovering a vinyl record shortly before Presley's death in 1977. Moriarty has since created a dedicated 'Elvis room' filled with memorabilia, asserting that the music 'feeds his soul' despite acknowledging the artist's troubled personal life. He emphasized Elvis's groundbreaking influence on music and culture, noting that his legacy continues to resonate deeply with fans worldwide.